April 5, 2021 meeting

Chair Barrett called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. He announced that the meeting was being recorded for cable television via Zoom.

A Healthy Lynnfield update

Select Board Chair Barrett opened the meeting by praising the work that has been done by the youth and staff of A Healthy Lynnfield. Peg Sallade, Substance Abuse Coordinator for A Healthy Lynnfield was present to provide an update. She began by thanking Chair Barrett for his support and involvement. She introduced Julie Green, Drug-Free Community Coordinator, who then introduced the student members of the Youth Council who presented their work. Chair Barrett said that the presentation showed “what is best about our community and our children”. Mr. Dalton praised the members of the Youth Council and thanked the A Healthy Lynnfield for its commitment to the “Think of Michael” foundation. Mr. Crawford thanked Chair Barrett for his work with A Healthy Lynnfield and also thanked the members of the Youth Council for their inspiring endeavors. Superintendent Vogel expressed her thanks to members of the Youth council.

Update on opening of Lynnfield Public Schools

Superintendent of Schools Kristen Vogel provided the update. April 5 marked the opening of schools for full in-person learning, which was a success. Chair Barrett thanked Superintendent Vogel for a job well done. Town Administrator Robert Dolan remarked that Lynnfield was among the few schools to return to full in-person learning. He praised the school staff and administrators for the transition. Former School Committee Tim Doyle and School Committee Chair Jamie Hayman thanked all school personnel for their dedication and hard work in the successful return to full in-person student learning.

Postponement of annual town meeting

MOTION by Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford: I move that the annual town meeting be held on Saturday, June 12 at 10:00 a.m. at the Lynnfield High School football field, 275 Essex Street. Vote was unanimous.

Opening of annual town meeting warrant

MOTION by Selectman Dalton, duly seconded by Selectman Crawford: I move that the warrant for the annual town meeting be opened for the acceptance of articles, and that the closing of the warrant be set for 6:30 p.m. on Monday, May 10. Vote was unanimous.

Police FY 2022 budget proposal

Interim Chief Nick Secatore was on hand to present his FY22 operating and capital budgets. The operating budget is increased 1.5%. Two new officers will be hired to replace two retiring officers. Capital items requested include one cruiser and radio equipment which will update systems for both fire and police. Mr. Dalton asked about police accreditation, to which Chief Secatore answered that a State board oversees various phases of accreditation, which are built upon best practices in all aspects of policing. Mr. Dalton also asked about traffic enforcement. Chief Secatore noted that, as of late, residents have asked for more traffic enforcement. The new traffic and radar trailer is now in place. Mr. Crawford thanked Chief Secatore for his efforts facilitating the two new officer hires.

Fire, EMS and Emergency Management FY 2022 budget proposal

Chief Glenn Davis was on hand to present his FY22 operating and capital budgets. In 2020, the Fire Department responded to approximately 1,800 calls. Three fire fighters were hired to replace three retiring fire fighters. The FD applied for and received 5 grants totaling $125,000. The FD expense budget is level funded. Overtime charges have come in below expectations for the year. Chief Davis praised the Call Fire Department personnel for their exceptional commitment and service to the community. Mr. Crawford thanked Chief Davis for his leadership. Regarding capital needs, Chief Davis is requesting radio equipment, similar to the Police Department request. The FD pick-up truck is out of service for 2 years, but is working to shift vehicles to address this need. For the second year, he is requesting a $651,000 new fire engine, and has applied for a grant through FEMA, being unsuccessful in this grant request last year. The old engine is 37 years old. There are other smaller requests for hose replacements and turn-out gear. Selectmen Dalton and Crawford expressed the need to address the capital expenditures before being “caught in a catch-up mode” with failing equipment. Chief Davis expressed his thanks to his staff for the care they take in maintaining the equipment. Mr. Dolan thanked Chief Secatore and Chief Davis for their leadership and department track records.

Fire Chief contract amendment

Mr. Dolan remarked that the Fire Chief’s contract is in line with the boundaries set by the Select Board and speaks to the value of Chief Davis’s leadership at both the Fire Department and as Emergency Management Director. Selectmen Dalton and Crawford agreed with Mr. Dolan.

MOTION by Selectman Dalton, seconded by Selectman Crawford: I move that the Board vote to ratify the Second Amendment to the Fire Chief Contract. Vote was unanimous.

Banner application

MOTION by Selectman Dalton, seconded by Selectman Crawford: I move that the Board approve the hanging of a banner for Autism Awareness Month for 14 days in April from the time the banner is received and hung. Vote was unanimous.

Use of lawn across from Town Common application

Assistant Town Administrator Robert Curtin noted that the application was not submitted in time for the Select Board meeting and suggested that the agenda item be moved to the next meeting.

Adjournment

MOTION by Selectman Dalton, seconded by Selectman Crawford: I move that the meeting be adjourned. Vote was unanimous.

Meeting adjourned at 7:15pm.